Leaders typically solve problems – Have you seen examples of leaders changing to allow people to solve their own problems?

I’ve seen two ways this happens. One way is that they see the advantages of having “problem solvers” on staff who are able to analyze and fix issues so leadership doesn’t have to deal with them. The other thing I’ve seen happen is that solving all the problems yourself is a burden and takes time away from the more important job of actually leading. When leaders are buried they often reach out for help and that’s when they see the need for building the problem solving muscles of others.

Elisabeth is a Managing Partner & Executive Advisor at GoLeanSixSigma.com. For over 25 years, she's helped leading organizations like Amazon, Charles Schwab and Starwood Hotels & Resorts build problem-solving muscles with Lean Six Sigma to achieve their goals.